15 giant tortoises retire after saving their species

7 Jul 2020

15 giant tortoises retire after saving their species

15 giant tortoises retire after saving their speciesAround 50 years ago, Hood Island giant tortoises were almost extinct (very few in number). These tortoises live in Española, Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Galagapos Islands is part of the country of Ecuador.

So, in 1976, experts set up a programme to increase the number of Hood Island giant tortoises. There were only 15 of the tortoises left. This programme was carried out at another island, Santa Cruz, in the Galagapos.

The programme has been a great success! Now, there are over 2300 Hood Island giant tortoises. Hood Island giant tortoises can weigh up about 80 kg and live for more than 100 years.

After many many years, the 15 giant tortoises finally retired from the programme in June 2020. They have been sent back to the wild in their home island of Española.

Each tortoise has a GPS satellite device attached to them so the researchers can keep tracking their movements each day. In six months, a team will visit Española to see how the tortoises are adjusting.

Here is a video on the beautiful and unique Galagapos Island:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UqiDs-_1A8

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Around 50 years ago, Hood Island giant tortoises were almost extinct (very few in number). These tortoises live in Española, Galapagos Islands in the Pacific […]

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Comments: 2

AABIR says:

8 July 2020 at 9:58 am

Where is espanola?

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- curioustimes says:
  
  8 July 2020 at 10:55 am
  
  Dear Aabir,
  
  Española is a city in New Mexico City, United States.
  
  Española Island mentioned in the news is a part of the Galapagos Islands, which are part of The Republic of Ecuador. The country falls in the South American Continent. You may notice the name ‘Ecuador’. It has emerged as the city is spread over both sides of the equator.
  People primarily speak Spanish in these islands, as these were Spanish colonies.
  
  Is there anything else, we can help you with?
  
  Stay Curious!
  
  Log in to Reply

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